Troy Surratt

Troy Surratt spent his childhood dreaming of beauty and fashion—and of getting out of the Midwest. After high school, he picked up and moved to New York City to attend the Fashion Institute of Technology. In between classes and studying, Surratt found time to assist renowned fashion designer Randolph Duke. But the gowns on the runway didn't draw him in as much as the behind-the-scenes creations of the makeup artists, so Surratt shifted gears to focus on beauty. Shortly thereafter, his work caught the attention of makeup legend Kevyn Aucoin, further catapulting Surratt's career. Surratt went on to help launch beauty brand Tarte, act as a spokesperson for online retailer beauty.com, and work with dozens of starlets along the way, from Zooey Deschanel to Charlize Theron. But this fast-paced lifestyle hasn't altered his simple yet fearless philosophy: "At the end of the day, it all washes off. So why not go for it?" —MAURA LYNCH